nellah

Hi everyone, I've now had my beautiful border collie pup for 4 months, and he has absolutely changed my world... can't believe I went for so long without one! He is currently 7 months old, and his training and behavior are coming along really well (I think!) He's mastered sit, stay, down, roll over, find your ball, high five, shake and we're currently working on loose-leash walking and recall, but there's one thing I would really like to curb before it sets in... in recent weeks, he has decided chasing/rounding up birds is really fun. We live by the beach, so there's a big expanse and he never gets too close to the birds, but I'm concerned if we are near a road and he is off leash that he won't stop and will head for the road (he gets very fixated on following the birds!) His recall is usually quite good (for a pup), but if he is chasing a bird there's no chance of distracting him - I've tried treats, toys, walking the other direction... does anyone have any tips? Thanks

Following this, as I am having the exact same thing happen with my 7 month old Border Collie pup! Glad I am not the only one!

Thank you every body for all your advice! 6 days until I bring the little guy home, and am so, so excited!

Thanks Gloria I think he's pretty cute too! Counting down the days til I can bring him home! Thanks for the tip about the coat! Here's a photo of the top of his head haha, I don't know if this helps to give a bit more of an indication? I'm not really sure where to look!

Thank you GCV I was thinking of putting a pen in the backyard, so he can have access to the backyard (but not too much!) It's a very secure yard with a tall colorbond fence (so I know he won't be able to jump it, or eat it!!) But am still thinking over this, so all advice is very welcomed! That's good to know about the formal class - I was just concerned about getting him socialised before he's 16 weeks old... because he'll be nearly 14 weeks when I get him and I have read that this is very important.

And here he is.... My new little fella!

Hello! I'll be bringing home my first border collie at the end of the month (so excited!!) He's a gorgeous little Blue Tri boy. I am wondering what type of coat he'll have? His mum was relatively smooth, and his dad was rough - the breeder thinks my little boy will be medium like his Dad. When I met him at 7 weeks, he was much fluffier than some of his litter mates but not as fluffy as other BC pups I've seen. I'll adore him no matter what, but just curious as to what opinions are on what his coat will be? First pic is at 7 weeks, second is about 6 weeks and third pic is about 4 weeks. Thanks SaveSave SaveSave

Thanks Laura! I can probably get someone to pop round to get him to potty while I'm not there.. thanks for the tip! Still working out whether to set up a pen indoors or outdoors while I am at work. I have a very secure yard which is mainly grass and a decking.. so nothing dangerous or naughty he can get into. I'll get a photo up asap, and thank you I am very excited!

Hi Shatarak, I am a newbie here, and have read this post many times as I am in quite a similar situation to you. I just wondered what happened in the end? Did you end up getting a BC?

Hello! I'm a newbie! A first time poster, and soon to be first time Border Collie owner (and am very, very excited)! I have found so much valuable information on these forums, but have a few questions myself too! So I apologise for the long post in advance! I am well aware of the mental stimulation and exercise needs for a border collie, and am looking very forward to this aspect and bringing into both our lives 1. I will be bringing my male border collie home at the end of April, and he will be 14 weeks old. (We were going to be bringing him home at 11 weeks but due to unforeseen circumstances we cannot bring him home for the extra couple of weeks and the breeder is happy to have him with her until then. I thought this was better than brining him home earlier and then leaving him during this crucial period. The breeder said she will start on basic commands, some loose leash training and socialisation) I just want to know people's thoughts on getting a puppy at this age. I am just wondering whether I'll be able to provide him with enough socialisation once I get him? How much is too much (is this such a thing) as I don't want to overwhelm him? I have a week off after I bring him home, which I will spend bonding, socialising and developing training habits. I have booked in to start basic obedience training the weekend after we bring him home. After this I will be returning to work 4 days a week (I will be able to take him to work atleast 1 or 2 days a week ... possibly more during the first couple of weeks)... and have planned a weekday schedule to follow when I cannot be with him at home. I just want to get some opinions and thoughts... 6:00am - 7:30am: Exercise and play with dog. (I will start with 20 minute walks while he is still young, and lengthen the walking time as he gets older - is this too much while he is still a pup? Will spend the remaining time trick training, providing mental stimulation and playing.) 8:00am: Feed dog and leave for work. Provide Kongs and other safe play toys to help keep him entertained while we're at work. 5:00pm: Arrive home and take dog for another 20 minute walk/free run on the beach. 5:30 - 6:45pm: Trick training, mental stimulation and puzzle work 7:00pm: Feed dog 7:30pm onwards: Dog will join us inside for the remainder of the evening. What are people's thoughts on the above? I hope you don't mind me asking the questions, just want the best for my pup once we bring him into our family! Thank you